Hylas Yachts has just launched its new M49, a two-cabin, two-head cruiser with a low profile, a seakindly hull, and a 31-knot top speed. The company said it built the 49 as the request of owners of its 44 who wanted a larger boat. The third cruiser in the Hylas power fleet is a 58.
Hylas has a worldwide reputation for building high-quality sailing yachts. It turned to Dan Salthouse, the New Zealand designer, to build the new 49 power yacht based on his successful design of the 44. Hylas boats are built by Queen Long in Taiwan.
The 49 has larger guest accommodations, plus a second (day) head, but it can be customized per a new owner’s wishes. The standard arrangement for the 49 has the owner’s cabin forward, with a conventional island double berth; that space also can be used for five single berths. The guest cabin is just aft to port with a standard twin berth and an upper berth.
The salon is now longer, with room for a wet bar or a washer/dryer. The storage area under the cockpit also is larger; it has room for fishing gear, dive equipment and water toys.
In the pilothouse, there’s a double seat at the helm, facing twin 12-inch chartplotters or radar screens. A sliding door on stainless steel frames opens to the starboard side deck to make docking and linehandling easier.
A dinette with a U-shaped settee and a high-low table are opposite the helm; that area can be converted to a daybed or a double berth. Aft of the helm station is another settee, while on the port side the U-shaped galley is built for cruising, with a cooktop, microwave, freezer and twin sinks. A window opens aft to connect the galley with the cockpit.
In the cockpit there’s an L-shaped settee to port with a table that can be converted to a sunbed. There’s also another sofa, and an optional wet-bar and grill.
Twin 370-hp Yanmars propel the Hylas 49 to a 31-knot top speed, while the hull is stable even in rough water. Of particular note to the U.S. market, the mast is on a hinge; when it’s down, the new Hylas has an air draft of 12’ 11”, so it can slide under most bridges in the Southeast or on the Great Loop.
Specs.: LOA: 48’10”; Beam: 13’6”; Draft: 3’2”; Disp.: 11.5 tons; Fuel: 237 gals.; Water: 190 gals.; Power: 2×370-hp Yanmar diesels. Read more:
